Although many of us have spent the last few weeks at home, it's good to remember that the lockdown won't last forever.
If you’re planning to look for a job or move roles when this is over, there’s lots you can do during this downtime to help improve your career prospects.
Here are our top tips:
- Start by defining your career goals. What do you want to achieve or where do you want to be in 5 years’ time? Work backwards from your goals to figure out how you can get there. Need inspiration? Why not look at Forbes 30 Under 30 list?
- Innovate by teaching yourself new skills or finding ways to make and sell your work online. The time you put in now will make you more employable. Take a look at Skillshare or Alison for a range of both creative and business skills to learn, or even, become a teacher yourself.
- Get networking. Whether researching your dream future employer, making new e-introductions or checking in with old contacts, this is the perfect time to reach out to the people you wanted to but never had the time to. LinkedIn is a great tool for connecting with people you’ve previously or would like to work with.
- Work on a research project. Pick a subject you've always been interested in and research it, putting your findings in a scrapbook. By having a deeper understanding of something, it's easier to make connections that may not have been so obvious before. It'll also help you stand out from other job candidates. In addition to being creative, adaptable, emotionally intelligent, employers value a personal brand.
- Take care of yourself. Try to eat well, check in with friends and family each day, and do some exercise. Tons of free exercise classes (such as yoga, cardio and strength training) are now available online.
Need help with your career, job search or CV?
Our new online chat service is available via the Careers and Employability homepage from 10am-3pm (Monday-Friday) or you can email us with your questions at any time careers-support@arts.ac.uk